The Mystery Of The Infamous Japanese Pop Star Photo

Back in 2013, Japanese pop star Minami Minegishi suddenly appeared in a YouTube video with her head shaved, sobbing and apologizing. Minegishi is a member of AKB48, one of Japan's most popular girl groups, and this video was uploaded to AKB48's official YouTube channel. It racked up millions of views before being widely criticised and set to private.

What sparked all this? Minegishi was rumoured to have a boyfriend, which is a no-no for idols like Minegishi. The incident (more here) made international news. She's continued her successful singing and TV career and has even poked fun at this whole thing.

But now, for some reason, photos from the infamous clip are being spotted in Europe.

As noted on Byokan Sunday, there are a bunch of theories floating around. Maybe, the image is supposed to be insulting? Or critical? Maybe it's an art project? Maybe it's some kind of cult? Doubt that last one, but who knows!

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